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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 29 of 36

What happens when women stop MS treatment during pregnancy?

Two studies found that women with MS who stop taking natalizumab before or after pregnancy experience increased disease activity and relapse rates compared to those who continue treatment. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first trimester, but this rate is small and within the general population range.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Back pain is common in highly active older adults

Back pain is common in highly active older adults, impacting nearly half of well-functioning individuals. The condition was linked to less efficient walking and poorer endurance, which can lead to mobility issues. Better back pain management may help maintain independence and prevent future loss of mobility.

Who's your daddy? Good news for threatened sea turtles

A Florida Atlantic University study found that 70% of loggerhead sea turtle nests and hatchlings had different fathers, with no repeat males detected. This research provides insight into the reproductive behavior of male sea turtles and suggests a breeding sex ratio of approximately 1 female for every 2.5 males.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Marketing of lower strength alcohol products may increase drinking

A study found that marketing messages for lower strength wines and beers are often associated with healthier habits, despite containing less alcohol. This can paradoxically lead to increased consumption, as consumers mistakenly believe these products are suitable for all occasions.

Mathematics pushes innovation in 4-D printing

Researchers developed a mathematical approach to predict crease formation in soft solids, enabling on-demand control of adaptive surface morphology. This breakthrough enables the design and fabrication of morphable materials for stretchable electronics, self-foldable machines, and lab-on-a-chip devices.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Research suggests vapers are vulnerable to pneumonia

Research suggests that e-cigarette vapour can increase susceptibility to lung infection with pneumococcal bacteria, similar to traditional cigarette smoke or particulate matter from fossil-fuel pollution. Long-term vaping may raise the risk of bacterial lung infection.

Devoted frog fathers guard their eggs from predators

In a groundbreaking study, male white-spotted bush frogs have been found to dedicatedly guard their fertilized eggs from other male frogs and predators. This unique parental care behavior significantly enhances offspring survival rates, with up to 70% of 'fatherless' egg clutches perishing.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Influence of increasing carbon dioxide levels on the seabed

A recent study published in Science Advances found that CO2 leakage from storage sites can drastically alter seabed ecosystems, leading to the disappearance of animals and disruption of the food chain. The researchers also discovered that some microorganisms can adapt to increased CO2 levels, but most species struggle to cope.

The big burn

Researchers found evidence of extensive biomass burning at the Younger Dryas Boundary, coinciding with a cometary cloud impact that triggered an 'impact winter', causing widespread extinctions. The study suggests that this event may have contributed to the collapse of the Clovis people and the extinction of megafauna.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Large-group living boosts magpie intelligence

Scientists found wild Australian magpies from larger groups showed increased intelligence and produced more offspring. The research suggests that living in complex social groups may drive the evolution of intelligence.

Yoga benefits patients with metabolic syndrome

A recent study found that yoga exercise decreases pro-inflammatory adipokines and increases an anti-inflammatory adipokine in adults with metabolic syndrome. This suggests that regular exercise, such as yoga, can help manage aspects of the condition by reducing chronic inflammation.

First-in-the-US study brings home hospital model to patients

A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a home hospital model reduced direct costs up to half compared to traditional hospital care. The model also decreased hospital utilization and improved patient physical activity, with no significant impact on quality or safety.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Polluted air may pollute our morality

A study published in Psychological Science found that exposure to air pollution, whether physical or mental, is linked with transgressive behavior through increased levels of anxiety. Participants who imagined experiencing air pollution engaged in more unethical behavior than those who thought about clean environments.

Fruit bat's echolocation may work like sophisticated surveillance sonar

Researchers found that Egyptian fruit bats use a technique similar to frequency-scanning sonar, pointing different frequencies of sound at slightly different angles to create fine-grained acoustic images. This discovery could lead to the development of cheap sensors with sensing capability.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Seafloor data point to global volcanism after Chicxulub meteor strike

University of Oregon geologists discovered unusual seafloor structures indicating heightened worldwide magmatic activity 66 million years ago after the Chicxulub meteor struck. The research suggests seismic waves from the impact triggered accelerated volcanism globally, contributing to a mass extinction event.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Youth consider mobile health units a safe place for sexual health services

Mobile health units offer a portable approach to bringing healthcare to communities, with over 2,000 units in service nationwide. Adolescents surveyed expressed interest in learning about sexual health through MHUs, with high rates of willingness to obtain birth control and recommend the service to friends.

Anti-obesity programs in schools unlikely to halt child obesity epidemic

A randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in weight status among children taking part in a school-based lifestyle and healthy eating program compared to those not participating. The study suggests that wider influences from families, communities, and the food industry may have a greater impact on childhood obesity t...

Freedom, not coercion

A recent study found that giving individuals a sense of freedom leads to increased feelings of responsibility. The research, involving Russian and American participants, showed that autonomy is a basic human need and that people are more likely to take responsibility when they have the freedom to choose their actions.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

GlycoNet, partners fund $3.5 million in health research

GlycoNet has awarded $3.5 million to researchers across Canada to explore glycomics and its impact on human health. The grants will support research into Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, drug-resistant fungal infections, and other areas.

Hairy tongues help bats drink up

Researchers at MIT developed a mathematical model to describe the relationship between hairy surface dimensions, dipping speed, and fluid properties. The model predicts optimal fluid entrainment for hairy-tongued nectar feeders like bats, honeybees, and possums.

How should biosimilars be used to treat rheumatic diseases?

The American College of Rheumatology now supports the use of biosimilars in treating patients with rheumatic diseases, citing rigorously acquired data. Communication between providers and patients is crucial to alleviate anxiety around newly available agents.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Case for assisted dying 'stronger than ever' says The BMJ

Most UK doctors (79%) and 80% of the public support legislation for assisted dying. A series of articles explores the debate around assisted dying, with personal accounts and expert opinions. The proposed legislation aims to provide safeguards for terminally ill patients who want to end their lives.

Fast-spinning spheres show nanoscale systems' secrets

The Rice lab demonstrates energetic properties of colloids in spinning magnetic fields, gathering into disorganized aggregated clusters and then forming crystal-like regimes as the field strength increases. The researchers explore ways to model novel two-dimensional materials like tunable catalysts or colloids with changing surface areas.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

A pair of RNA scissors with many functions

Scientists at the University of Freiburg discovered RNase E as a crucial enzyme in CRISPR/Cas systems, enabling correct gene expression and immune defense. The findings suggest stronger interaction between CRISPR/Cas systems and host organisms, increasing potential for its applications.

Many epilepsy patients take drug combinations that interact

Many epilepsy patients receive antiepileptic and non-epilepsy drugs that can interact, altering the effectiveness of one or both types of medications. The study found over 1 in 5 patients taking such combinations may experience reduced efficacy or increased toxicity.

Redefined Alzheimer's biology has implications for drug design

A new study challenges the long-held assumption that amyloid beta buildup in brain cells is the origin of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that standard diagnostic tools fail to detect future AD in many patients under age 70, and that a decline in cerebrospinal fluid clearance may be the early feature of AD.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

How old antibiotic compounds could become tomorrow's life-saving drugs

Researchers are re-examining old antibiotics to find new ones, applying modern science and technology to test their potential. A compound identified in the 1940s is now being considered as a realistic contender for a new antibiotic drug, with the potential to combat certain types of bacterial infections.

Nostalgia safeguards against negative feelings

A new study finds that nostalgia for America's past can buffer collective guilt and create group coherence. Those who glorify the US tend to be more nostalgic, which alleviates feelings of guilt about historical wrongs.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

UPMC researchers solving treatment resistance in most common breast cancer

Researchers at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center have identified a new genetic change in the estrogen receptor that contributes to therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer. The presence of ESR1 fusion proteins in treatment-resistant breast cancer may lead to improved treatments for this form of the disease.

Eye could provide 'window to the brain' after stroke

A study published in Neurology suggests that strokes can compromise the blood-ocular barrier, causing gadolinium to leak into the eye. This phenomenon could potentially provide valuable information about stroke severity and guide treatment.

Biosensors will be inexpensive, do more, go everywhere

Researchers at University of Cincinnati are developing cutting-edge methods to overcome the barrier of human skin for biometric sensors. The devices can measure things optically, chemically, electrically, and mechanically without compromising the skin's ability to prevent infection and dehydration.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.